Farrington not disappointed over Sania's performance

IANS

HYDERABAD: Sania Mirza's travelling coach John Farrington on Wednesday said he was not disappointed with her recent performances.

"No, I am not all disappointed over her losing early in the two tournaments," said Farrington when newsmen approached him at a function featuring Sania as ambassador for a campaign to help children suffering from heart diseases.

"She is improving with every tournament. I am happy with her performance," said Farrington, who was hired as travelling coach in July.

Sania, currently ranked 37 in the world, lost in the first round at the Bali Open early this month and also went down in the second round match at the Sunfeast Open at Kolkata.

The coach hoped Sania would achieve many milestones in her career. The 18-year-old from Hyderabad had reached fourth round at this year's US Open, the first Indian woman to achieve the feat.

Sania's father Imran Mirza later told IANS that she would leave for Tokyo on Thursday to play in the Japan Open. She will then participate in a WTA tournament at Bangkok.

"She is fit but is very tired as she has been playing since January," he said. After the two tournaments, Sania will take a break before beginning the next season in January.

Imran, who played a key role in shaping the career of his daughter, said she skipped a WTA tournament in South Korea to take some rest after a hectic schedule.

"But she can't skip more tournaments as her ranking will come down," he said.

Farrington, who was in Kolkata for the Sunfeast Open last week, will accompany Sania for both the Tokyo and Bangkok tourneys.

According to Imran, Farrington was pleased with Sania's progress and was working to improve some grey areas like her serves.

"He will work in the off season to improve her game in those areas," he said.